Nectarine tree &#34;Earliglo&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which has the following combination of unique desirable features. 
     1. Early maturity of fruit. 
     2. Low chilling requirement of approximately 200 hours. 
     3. Fruit with a high degree of red skin color. 
     4. Regular and heavy bearing of medium size fruit. 
     5. Fruit having firm flesh, good shipping and storage quality. 
     6. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present variety of nectarine tree was originated by us in theexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif. from a cross between aselected seedling with the identification number 37G870 and May GloNectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,245). The female parent 37G870originated as a peach from a cross of Ruby Gold Nectarine (U.S. PlantPat. No. 3,101) and a low chilling peach of unknown parentage.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of nectarine treewas preformed by us in the experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif. by budding and shows that all characteristics are established andtransmitted through succeeding propagations and run true to the originaltree in all respects.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree is of large size,vigorous, upright growth and a regular and productive bearer of firm,yellow flesh, clingstone fruit having yellow skin, substantiallyoverspread with an attractive red color. The fruit is furthercharacterized by having good flavor and eating quality, being able toship to long distance markets and being early in maturity, the maturitybeing 4 to 5 days before May Glo Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,245).

PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic reproductions show the foliage andfruit of the present new variety with the upper and lower surface of theleaves being illustrated, specimens of the fruit, an exterior and asectional view of the fruit, with a fruit being divided on its sutureplane to show flesh coloration and a stone remaining in place. Thephotographic illustration were taken shortly after being picked atmaturity (firm ripe) and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonablypossible in a color presentation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The botanical details of the present new and distinct variety ofnectarine tree, its foliage, flowers and fruit are based on observationsof specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color terminology (exceptthose in common terms) referenced to Reinhold Color Atlas by A. Kornerupand J. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Form.--Upright.

Density.--Medium dense.

Production.--Productive.

Bearer.--Regular.

Trunk:

Size.--Medium to large.

Texture.--Rough to shaggy.

Color.--Brown to grayish brown.

Branches:

Size.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium rough.

Lenticels.--Medium size. Medium number.

Color.--Grayish brown.

Leaves:

Size.--Large. Average length -- 53/4" to 6". Average width -- 11/2" to15/8".

Texture.--Smooth.

Margin.--Crenate.

Petiole.--Medium length. Medium thickness.

Glands.--Reniform. Medium size. Number varies from 1 to 4. Averagenumber 2. Located on upper portion of petiole and base of leaf blade.

Color.--Upper surface -- green to dark green (28-E-7) to (28-F-7). Lowersurface -- green to grayish green (29-E-6) to (29-E-7).

Flower Buds:

Size.--Medium to large.

Length.--Medium

Flowers:

Size.--Large -- showy.

Pollen.--Present.

Color.--Pink.

Blooming period Feb. 15, 1988 to Feb. 25, 1988. Varies slightly due toweather conditions.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--May 20, 1988.

Date of last picking.--May 25, 1988.

Size.--Medium. Average diameter axially -- 23/8". Average transverselyin suture plane -- 23/8".

Form.--Globes -- nearly symmetrical.

Suture.--Deep -- extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.--Usually lipped -- some fruit lipped more on one side.

Cavity.--Elongated in suture plane. Average depth -- 3/8" Averagebreadth -- 3/4".

Base.--Retuse.

Apex.--Retuse. Usually depressed in suture plane.

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Tough, tenacious to flesh.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Down.--Wanting.

Color.--Yellow ground color (5-A-6) to (5-A-7). Overspread with red(10-B-8) to (10-C-8).

Flesh:

Texture.--Firm and meaty.

Juice.--Moderate.

Ripens.--Even.

Flavor.--Mild to sub-acid.

Aroma.--Slight.

Fibers.--Few, tender.

Eating quality.--Good.

Color.--Yellow to chrome yellow (4-A-7) to (5-A-7).

Stone:

Type.--Clingstone.

Size.--Large. Average length -- 11/4". Average breadth -- 1". Averagethickness -- 5/8".

Form.--Ovid.

Base.--Round -- some nearly straight.

Sides.--Mostly equal.

Apex.--Acuminate.

Surface.--Pitted throughout, heavier toward the base. Irregularlyfurrowed toward apex.

Tendency to split.--Very slight.

Color.--Light brown (6-B-5) to (6-C-5).

Use: Dessert Market -- local and long distance.

Shipping quality: Good.

Storage quality: Good.

The new and distinct nectarine tree, its foliage and fruit hereindescribed may vary in slight detail due to climatic, soil conditions andcultural practices under which the variety may be grown; the presentdescription is that of the variety grown under the ecological conditionsprevailing near Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, substantiallyas illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous,upright growth and a regular and productive bearer of medium size, firm,yellow flesh, early maturing, clingstone fruit, maturing 4 to 5 daysbefore May Glo Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,245); the tree isfurther characterized by having a low winter chilling requirement ofapproximately 200 hours and producing fruit with an attractive red skincolor, good flavor and eating quality and the ability to store and shipto long distance markets.